Revisting Nilgai Hunting in Texas with Lomas Chicas Outfitters

Published: March - 2012

Sam Ilse's Lomas Chicas Outfitters (361-296-4571; www.lomaschicasoutfitters.com) hunts the Kennedy Ranch in southeast Texas primarily for nilgai and wild hogs. In 2008 and 2009, we received nine positive reports on Lomas Chicas. But we hadn't heard anything else until we received two enthusiastic reports on hunts in December of 2011 and January, 2012. Most recently, (Report 8126) subscriber Dave West reports taking both a bull and a cow nilgai, plus a wild boar on his January hunt. He describes the game as "excellent, wild and abundant" on 225,000 acres. "Ilse is the only outfitter on the property," he says. "He's a retired game warden, and his whole operation is excellent and by the book." West gives the cost of his hunt as $3,000 for the two nilgai, $2,000 for the bull, and $1,000 for the cow.

In Report 8517, subscriber Allen C. Vickers reports taking a silver medal nilgai and a wild boar while hunting with Ilse in October. Both species were abundant according to Vickers. He says of his experience: "Sam is extremely competent, has a great area to hunt and super equipment. Hunting is done safari-style via open jeep, and then game is stalked on foot. Food and lodging are first class, and the overall experience is fantastic!"

As to the guiding and the game, Vickers tells us, "Sam will do his absolute best to get you the trophy of your life, and he guarantees a shot! The nilgai is a unique game animal and an excellent addition to any trophy room. His odd physical characteristics and smallish horns for his size make him one that is really noticed. A bonus is that nilgai is also excellent table fare and just plain fun to hunt. ANYONE can take part in a nilgai hunt with Sam. He is honest as the day is long and just plain fun to hunt with. I feel like I arrived as a client and left as a friend. I have been on good and bad hunts with good and bad outfitters and guides. Sam and Lomas Chicas Outfitters rates as one of........(continued)